Liver Cancer Old

New Hope Unlimited has found that many times symptoms may be improved and possibly reversed with our alternative liver cancer treatments.

New Hope Medical Center offers alternative treatment for liver cancer that can improve or possibly reverse symptoms. Aside from that, we also believe that the first line of defense for any type of cancer is being informed about the disease. Below is an outline of essential information that you need to know about liver cancer, so that you can make informed choices when it comes to treatment options.

The liver is the largest internal organ of the body. It weighs approximately 1500 grams and is surrounded by a fibrous capsule. It is a large gland of a dark-red color located in the upper part of the abdomen, protected by the rib cage, and is divided into sections called lobes.

The liver’s functions include the storage and filtration of blood, the secretion of bile, the excretion of bilirubin and other substances formed elsewhere in the body. The liver also performs numerous metabolic functions, including the uptake, storage, and disposal of nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, hormones, drugs, and toxins. It also destroys harmful substances such as alcohol and helps the body to rid itself of waste products.

The liver is made up of different types of cells including hepatocytes and those that line the blood vessels and bile ducts, and they can form into benign and malignant tumors. Liver cancer can either originate from the liver itself (primary liver cancer) or have spread from somewhere else in the body (metastatic liver cancer).

Typically, liver cancer symptoms show up during the later part of the disease, but there are also instances that they become apparent sooner. Regardless, it’s imperative that you consult with your doctor when you notice or experience possible signs of the disease. Symptoms to watch out for include:

Loss of appetite

Unexplained Weight loss

Weakness

Nausea and vomiting

Jaundice

A vague discomfort in the abdomen.

Pain in the right shoulder

Itching

Fever

Abdominal swelling or fluid build-up

Enlarged liver or spleen

White or chalky stool

The symptoms listed above may indicate other conditions aside from liver cancer. Should you experience or see any of them, it’s best to pay a visit to your doctor so that you can diagnose and address the condition early on, whether it’s liver cancer or another health concern.

Risk Factors

There are certain factors that can affect your chances of getting liver cancer. Some can’t be changed, while others can be controlled by making lifestyle changes. Let’s look at each of them.

Gender – Liver cancer is more common in males than in females.

Exposure to certain chemicals such as vinyl chloride, thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), and arsenic

Exposure to aflatoxin

Certain drugs such as anabolic steroids

Tobacco use

Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C – are infections that can result in liver cirrhosis, which is a risk factor for liver cancer

Prevention

Liver cancer is caused by DNA damage in cells found in the liver, but what triggers this phenomenon is yet to be known. However, you can manage liver cancer risk factors that you can control in order to reduce your chances of developing the condition.

Chronic infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a risk factor for liver cancer. You can avoid them by not sharing needles and practicing safe sex. In addition, you can also get vaccination for HBV.

You can also make lifestyle changes such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol consumption and maintaining an ideal weight. It’s also essential to limit exposure to substances that can trigger liver cancer and treat conditions that can affect your risk.

Diagnostic Tests for Detection

There are several tests that you can undergo in order to detect or rule out liver cancer. These are:

Physical exam – During a consultation with your doctor, you will be asked questions about your medical history to determine your risk factors for liver cancer. Your doctor will examine and feel around your abdomen and pay closer attention to your skin and eyes for any signs of jaundice.Depending on the results of the initial physical exam, your doctor may recommend further tests to determine what’s causing your symptoms.

Imaging test – Imaging tests create clear pictures of the internal body parts with the use of x-rays, magnetic fields, or sound waves. Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, angiography, and bone scan are some of the imaging tests done for liver cancer.

Laparoscopy – Laparoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin tube with a small camera that will be inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to see the liver and other organs. It is done to determine the stage of cancer, help create a treatment plan, and confirm diagnosis.

Biopsy – Biopsy is a procedure that helps detect the presence of cancer through a sample tissue.

Story From Our Survivors

Laura Hilton

"New Hope empowered me and my husband through education and support to change our lives, making cancer an experience that made us stronger and better people ... I thank God we made the decision to go to New Hope. My husband Barry (now cancer free) & I highly recommend New Hope to patients and champions alike who are facing this modern day illness ..."